Answers to Objections #11

Post date: Dec 07, 2016 9:58:50 PM

Jan 26, 2012 by Buddy Hanson

Answers to Common Objections are a regular column on Explicitly Christian Politics. These answers were written by Buddy Hanson and published in the appendix of his book, The Christian Civil Ruler’s Handbook. Buddy has written a number of books on applying God’s Word to culture, civil-government and politics and we are grateful for the answers he gives to common objections we hear all the time. Check out his website here.

Objection #11: “As a preacher, I should not teach about political issues.”

Our response to this all-too-common objection should be, “That’s very interesting. Could you show me a Scriptural basis for your statement?” The objector certainly won’t find it in any of the writings of the Apostle Paul, who told the elders at Ephesus, “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).

The Bible presents inerrant wisdom for how we should live. This includes principles to apply in our homes, churches, and workplaces, as well as in civil government. Praise God that Jesus has not left us on our own to figure out how best to live and govern ourselves!

In being faithful to preach the whole counsel of God, pastors not only instruct their congregations in all the facets of God’s Word, they may also be preparing future civil rulers. Who knows whether there may be a future mayor, governor, or even president in one of their pews! Professor John Eidsmoe writes, “The church’s role is to teach the principles of the Word of God as they apply to politics and every other field of life. It is then the responsibility of individual Christians within the church to take these principles and apply them to concrete situations in society” (Eidsmoe, John, Christ and Caesar, p. 59).